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Pack Square Park park in Asheville, NC
Photo: Tanner Gough
View of Pack Square Park in Asheville, NC
Photo: Benjamin Mois
View of Pack Square Park in Asheville, NC
Photo: Jennifer Ballard

Pack Square Park

4.6(1,894 reviews)FreePlayground
🕑 1-2 hours👶 Best for ages 1-8. Toddlers and preschoolers especially love the gentle water features and open space to toddle around safely, while elementary-aged kids enjoy the more active water play and running through the fountains.

About

Pack Square Park offers a fantastic free splash pad in the heart of downtown Asheville, making it an ideal spot for families to cool off on hot summer days. Kids can run through water jets and fountains in a safe, open play area while parents relax on nearby benches and take in the vibrant downtown atmosphere. The park's central location also makes it perfect for combining with other downtown Asheville attractions.

Highlights

  • Free admission with interactive water jets and fountains
  • Safe, flat play area perfect for young children
  • Prime downtown location surrounded by restaurants and shops
  • Beautiful mountain views and open green space for picnicking
  • Regular community events and live music in the park

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Bring a change of clothes and towels,kids will get completely soaked and you'll want dry clothes for the car ride home
  2. 2.Arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and intense midday heat
  3. 3.Pack water shoes or sandals as the concrete can get hot, and they provide better traction on wet surfaces
  4. 4.The park is surrounded by great downtown spots, so plan your splash pad visit between other Asheville activities for maximum efficiency
  5. 5.Public restrooms are available nearby in the adjacent buildings, and there's plenty of shaded seating around the perimeter

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (9-11am) during summer months offer the best experience with smaller crowds and cooler temperatures. The splash pad is most enjoyable June through August when temperatures are warmest, though it operates during shoulder seasons too.

What to Know

The splash pad is completely free to use and the park is open 24 hours, though the water features typically operate during daylight hours in warmer months. Metered street parking and paid parking garages are available within a block or two of the park.

Seasonal Notes

The splash pad operates primarily during warm weather months (typically May through September), though the park itself is open year-round. Water features are turned off during winter months. Summer weekends often feature special events, festivals, and live performances.

Nearby Eats

Walk to Tupelo Honey (Southern comfort food with excellent kids menu) just two blocks away, or grab quick bites at the nearby Asheville City Market food vendors for easy, family-friendly options.

More Activities Near Asheville

Activity

Wall Street

$$

Wall Street is Asheville's ultimate indoor entertainment destination where families can enjoy laser tag battles, putt their way through mini golf courses, compete on dozens of arcade games, and refuel at on-site restaurants,all without stepping outside. This all-in-one venue is perfect for rainy days, birthday parties, or when you want to let kids burn energy while parents can relax knowing everything is conveniently located under one roof.

Adventure

Blue Ridge Parkway

Free

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers families an unforgettable scenic mountain adventure with 469 miles of stunning overlooks, easy nature trails, and countless picnic spots perfect for kids of all ages. This iconic mountain drive lets families experience the beauty of the Appalachians at their own pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop, explore, and stretch little legs along short trails and at visitor centers featuring kid-friendly exhibits.

Restaurant

Green Man Brewery Family Area

$

Green Man Brewery offers a refreshing take on family dining in Asheville with a dedicated family-friendly area where parents can enjoy craft beer while kids play and everyone shares a relaxed meal. The outdoor games keep children entertained while you savor locally-brewed beverages, and the welcoming atmosphere means you won't stress about normal kid noise and energy.

Activity

Biltmore Village

Free

Biltmore Village offers families a delightful pedestrian-friendly experience with charming turn-of-the-century architecture, unique boutiques, and inviting restaurants perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Kids will enjoy the relaxed pace of window shopping, discovering treats at local bakeries, and soaking in the storybook atmosphere of this historic neighborhood nestled at the gateway to the famous Biltmore Estate.